Chapter 540

The night stretched long as Evelyn and Claire talked about everything - motherhood, relationships, careers.

They agreed every woman needed a purpose beyond love, something to make her feel alive.

Evelyn drifted off first.

Claire lay awake, restless. Something felt off about Evelyn's mood tonight.

As her best friend, she couldn't ignore it.

She slipped out of bed quietly, grabbing her phone and stepping onto the balcony.

The night air was cool as she dialed Lucas's number.

He answered on the second ring, voice rough with surprise.

They hadn't spoken since the divorce papers were signed months ago. This was her first call.

Lucas's fingers tightened around his phone. His throat felt suddenly dry.

He forced calm into his voice, though his pulse raced. "What do you want?"

The ice in his tone made her pause. She hadn't considered how this might look.

"Do you know what's happening between Isabella and Alexander?" Claire asked directly.

The question deflated him. Of course she wasn't calling for herself.

After a beat, he understood - this was about Evelyn.

Isabella had returned from Paris and was circling Alexander again.

"It's complicated," he admitted. "If you want details, meet me tomorrow."

Claire had planned a quick phone call. This wasn't part of the script.

Seeing him again was the last thing she wanted.

Lucas sensed her hesitation. "Come on, Dawson. If you need my help, the least you can do is buy me lunch."

She exhaled sharply. "Fine. Text me the address. I'll find you."

Morning light filtered through the curtains when Evelyn woke to an empty bed.

She washed up and wandered out, finding Julian at the stove.

He'd been cooking for Claire these past months.

Claire raved about his skills so much she'd fired their private chef.

"You're awake," Julian smiled. "Where's Claire? Breakfast is ready."

"Not in the room," Evelyn frowned, scanning the apartment.

Julian turned off the burner, concern flashing across his face.

"Maybe she went for a walk?" Evelyn suggested.

Julian shook his head. "She never wakes before ten. I've been cooking since eight."

The implication settled between them.

Claire had left before eight.

Where would she go at that hour?

"Eat without us," Julian said, pulling off his apron. "I'm going to look for her."

An uneasy feeling twisted in Evelyn's gut. Something wasn't right.